Cost of living raises

An Alabama House committee has agreed with the governor's recommendation of a cost-of-living raise of up to 4 percent for state employees.

The House Ways and Means-General Fund Committee approved the raise on a voice vote with no opposition Wednesday. The proposal now goes to the House.

A stipulation of the raise calls for the state to take in more revenue than expected during the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. If that happens, it would be up to the governor to decide whether to grant a raise and how much to give.